Important Nutrients to Know

Your body needs nutrients to survive and stay healthy. There are five main types—proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins and minerals, and water. What does each of these nutrients do in your body? What foods are they found in?

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“Food just doesn’t taste the same anymore.” “I can’t get out to go shopping.” “I’m just not that hungry.” Sound familiar? These are a few common reasons some older people don’t eat healthy meals. But, choosing healthy foods is a smart thing to do—no matter how old you are!

Eating well is vital for everyone at all ages. Whatever your age, your daily food choices can make an important difference in your health and in how you look and feel. Eating a well-planned, balanced mix of foods every day has many health benefits.

Regular physical activity and a healthy diet go hand in hand. Go4Life points you to wise food choices important for good health.

What's On Your Plate? is based on the nutrition recommendations for older adults in the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2010 from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).

Here's a Tip

Foods in each group have different nutrients. Picking an assortment from every food group throughout the week will help you get many nutrients. And the variety of foods will make your meals more interesting.